Cape League spotlight: Richie Martin Jr., Bourne shortstop

When Richie Martin Jr., gets on first base, whether it's from a single or a walk, the Bourne Braves leadoff hitter has one thing on his mind — stealing second. A rising junior from the University of Florida, Martin has spent two summers toying with Cape League pitchers and catchers as he uses his signature speed to put ...

By MEREDITH PERRI

capecodtimes.com

By MEREDITH PERRI

Posted Jul. 11, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By MEREDITH PERRI
Posted Jul. 11, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

When Richie Martin Jr., gets on first base, whether it's from a single or a walk, the Bourne Braves leadoff hitter has one thing on his mind ““ stealing second. A rising junior from the University of Florida, Martin has spent two summers toying with Cape League pitchers and catchers as he uses his signature speed to put himself in scoring position. Just one summer after he struggled at the plate with the Falmouth Commodores, Martin is one of the top hitters in the league with a .359 average and is tied for the most runs scored with 20. He is also third in the league in stolen bases with 10.

How does it feel to come back to the Cape?

It's really exciting. Just glad to come back and get some work in over the summer. I'm just trying to perfect my craft and work on things for the next season and upcoming draft.

What has been the biggest difference between the two seasons?

I think I'm a little more focused and matured. I've been working hard, and I have more experience.

Your average has increased significantly ““ from .193 to .359 ”“ since last season. What led to the change?

I try not to think about stats like that because I don't think they define a player as well as they should. I've gotten bigger and stronger and a little more mentally prepared for this league.

When did you realize that your speed would have such a big impact on your game?

I would probably say Little League. I've always been pretty fast, and my dad has always told me that was my biggest asset. I try to use that to my advantage.

What's going through your mind when you get on base?

I always want to steal as soon as I get on, but it's up to (Braves manager Harvey Shapiro). I just wait for him to give me the steal sign. Other than that, I always try to be aggressive and make my mistakes on the aggressive side.

What are you looking for from an opposing pitcher when you're trying to steal?

His front foot, but it's also a little more than that because sometimes you get the balk move in college, so you have to watch his hips also. He might flick his foot and end up picking you off, so I just mainly focus on his front foot and his hips.

You mentioned that when you make your mistakes, it's because you're being aggressive. How did that play into Sunday's game against Yarmouth-Dennis when you were picked off at second?

We were up 4-0 and it was the sixth inning. Obviously you don't want to get thrown out in that situation, but that's the time you want to be aggressive. The catcher was lobbing the ball to the pitcher, and I was making sure he would do it every pitch. He did it five pitches in a row, and on the last one he seemed to gun it right back to the pitcher, so it caught me right in the middle.

You also hit a home run in Sunday's game. When did you realize that it was going to leave the park?

Actually, that was the first ball in a while that I knew was actually gone, so it was pretty exciting. I'm not a home run hitter, obviously, in my approach, but it was nice to hit one and know it was gone.

What kind of reaction did you get from Harvey Shapiro and your teammates when you came back to the dugout?

Shapiro is pretty even-keeled. He doesn't get up too high or too low, and I try to stay the same way. I try to let people know that if I go 0-for-4 or 4-for-4, I have the same demeanor.

What specifically are you trying to work on this summer?

My defense. I'm really trying to focus on that and making the routine plays and becoming a more solid, overall good ballplayer.

What are you doing to improve your defense?

I'd say just putting it into steps. Fielding the ball first and then throwing the ball. Making sure that I complete my plays, and if I make a good play, make sure that I make a good throw after or if I field a ball right at me, make sure that I field it first and then make my throw.

You have a Derek Jeter sweatband on your wrist. is he your favorite player?

He's my favorite infielder. My favorite player is Curtis Granderson. I love Jeter, also. I wanted to go to New York with a few other players and catch a game. See if I can holler at him and get to meet him.

Looking away from the field, you're majoring in civil engineering. What made you decide to study that particular major?

Ever since I was little, I've always loved math and I like building things. I was a big Lego fan and connects fan. I just always loved building things. I find it really interesting, and it comes to me easy. I'd much rather do something like that than read a book.

You've made the SEC Academic Honor Roll both years you've been at Florida. How challenging is it to do so well in the classroom while you're playing?

It's not too bad in the fall because you have a little more time, but when you get to the spring it's pretty difficult. It's hard managing baseball and school, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My dad has always been hard on me with school, and when I was in elementary school, he gave me extra homework and stuff like that. If I was in college and school was easy, it just wouldn't feel right.